Black Panther is a little more than a month away and we finally have a trailer that reveals a lot more about the movie. Not only does it give us a glimpse into how T’Challa’s death is dealt with, but also shows us how in the absence of its protector, Wakanda is being seen as an easy target (by Atlantis).
More importantly, the trailer gave us quite a big clue about the identity of the next Black Panther.
The new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer hints that a female character helms the role of the next Black Panther. This could mean that Okoye, Nakia, or Shuri could be Black Panther.
Seeing Wakanda and its people getting attacked in their time of grief was quite heartbreaking, especially after knowing how strong they are. But this is a perfect way to depict T’Challa’s passing, introduce Atlantis and Wakanda’s enmity, as well as pass on Black Panther’s mantle.
During such a time of turmoil, it’s important for Wakanda to have a leader who will guide the people with proper tact, care, and compassion. While the trailer has hinted that a female character will take on this role, there is a high chance that the next Black Panther could be none other than Shuri.
Shuri as Black Panther
There’s nothing to say that Okoye or Nakia can’t be the next Black Panther. However since Shuri took on the role in the comic books as well, it is possible that the MCU will go down this route, too.
You cannot ignore that when we get Black Panther’s shot in the trailer, we also have Ramonda’s voiceover saying, “Show them who we are.” It’s possible that she is saying this to her daughter, indicating how the mantle must pass down their bloodline.
Plus, all the new Wakanda Forever posters have Shuri superimposed or in the center—in the way that many protagonists/main characters are.
By making Shuri Black Panther, the MCU can stick to the canon, keep up with fan expectations, and even adapt her comic book storylines in the future.
In the comics, T’Challa is put into a coma by Namor and other members of the villainous organization, Cabal. In his absence, Shuri successfully performs the rituals that would grant her Black Panther’s powers, but Bast does not bestow them on her.
Nevertheless, when Wakanda gets attacked, Shuri dons the Black Panther suit in order to protect her people. This act of sacrifice ultimately earns her the powers.
It is possible that MCU’s Shuri might go through something similar. We only have a month left to find out!
About Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an upcoming American superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It will serve as the sequel to Black Panther (2018) and will be the 30th film in the MCU. The film is being written and directed by Ryan Coogler.
Wakanda grieves the loss of their King T’Challa as the nation deals with opening up their technology to the world. But apart from the diplomatic agencies’ onslaught, Wakanda must face yet another danger as the king of Talcon, an underwater nation like DC’s Atlantis, Namor, has declared war on Wakanda.
Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Angela Bassett will star in the film, which will premiere on November 11, 2022.
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